Justin Jefferson can’t seem to catch a break. The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver finally returned on Sunday after a seven-game absence but suffered another injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14. What happened to Jefferson, and what’s his latest injury status?
Editor’s Note: Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters that Justin Jefferson is considered day-to-day with his chest injury and he has a chance to play on Saturday against Cincinnati.
Justin Jefferson Injury Update
Jefferson hauled in his second catch of the day early in the second quarter but took a shot from Raiders safety Marcus Epps after reeling in a 15-yard reception.
After bringing in that third-down catch, Jefferson grabbed at his lower back and immediately headed toward the sideline. He spent time in the blue medical tent before heading for the Vikings’ locker room with the club’s medical personnel.
While Minnesota initially designated Jefferson questionable to return with a chest injury, the team eventually ruled him out. The Vikings announced Jefferson was taken to a local hospital out of precaution.
After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell said Jefferson had an internal chest injury but would fortunately be able to travel back to Minnesota with the rest of the team.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson makes a special play then takes a big shot.
Jefferson left the game and went back to the locker room.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 10, 2023
“We feel pretty encouraged about the early news on Justin,” O’Connell said, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. ” … We’ll have to see, on a short week, how he’s able to turn over from this.”
Jefferson was taken to the hospital so medical staff could rule out any injuries that would have prevented him from traveling home, O’Connell told reporters, including Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. O’Connell added Minnesota will “get (Jefferson) some treatment and see where’s at for his availability this week.”
The Vikings went 5-2 while Jefferson was on injured reserve, but they’ll need the All-Pro wideout in the lineup if they want to secure a postseason slot. Minnesota is 6-6 and would be the NFC’s sixth seed if the season ended today.
MORE: Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
Jefferson’s team received some help earlier in the day when the fellow NFC Wild Card contender Los Angeles Rams fell to the Baltimore Ravens. The Vikings are rooting against the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers in Week 14, as losses would push those Wild Card hopefuls farther down the standings.
With Jefferson out, first-round rookie Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, and Brandon Powell are Minnesota’s top three wideouts. The Vikings played plenty of two-TE sets featuring T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver when Jefferson was sidelined from Weeks 6-12.
Jefferson, 24, led the NFL in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) while scoring eight touchdowns in 2022. After earning second-team All-Pros in each of his first two pro campaigns, Jefferson made the first-team last year while winning the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
The former first-round pick is scheduled to play on his fifth-year option in 2024, but the Vikings can give him a contract extension at any time. Jefferson had discussions with Minnesota over the summer, but the two sides agreed to table negotiations until the offseason.
Fantasy Fallout From Jefferson’s Injury
Jefferson’s return did not last as long as fantasy managers hoped. He totaled two receptions for 27 yards against the Raiders before leaving for the locker room. Look for Hockenson, Addison, and Powell to see an expanded role in the passing game while Jefferson is out of the lineup.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate